A group of University of Colorado at Colorado Springs MBA students believe current tax credits and rebates can make wind power profitable for the Pikes Peak region.

A class of 35 master's-level business students conducted a study of regional alternative energy issues and released their findings at a public meeting Friday, May 14, on the UCCS campus.

Among the key findings:

• Renewable energy jobs are likely to pay more than $50,000 annually.
• The greatest job growth will come from a manufacturing plant.
• A wind farm in El Paso County has the potential to generate a 17 percent annualized rate of return for investors.

"The results of the study are significant because they provide real answers to critical questions about the region's growth prospects," said Fred Crowley, senior instructor in the College of Business. "We do not have to wonder about 'what if' situations. We have solutions. What these students have learned can help our entire community focus its efforts to move us into the era of renewable energy."

The students gathered comprehensive data through interviews with utilities, windmill manufacturers and other organizations. They scrutinized federal, state and local laws, examined environmental issues and analyzed the financial impact.